The Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 38 of 2001 (FICA), came into effect on 1 July 2003. FICA was introduced to fight financial crime, such as money laundering, tax evasion, and terrorist financing activities.
In terms of the Act, all attorneys are accountable institutions.
List of typical FICA documents required by Transferring Attorneys:
For Individuals
| Seller | Purchaser |
| Copy of the first page of your ID | Copy of the first page of your ID. |
| Your income tax number (official SARS document) | Your income tax number (official SARS document) |
| Proof of residence not older than 3 months | Proof of residence not older than 3 months – either a telephone account or your rates and taxes account will suffice. |
| Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) | Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable) |
| Copy of your ante nuptial contract (if applicable) | Copy of your ante nuptial contract (if applicable) |
For Close corporations
- Copy of the first page of the identity document of all members.
- CC income tax number / VAT number (official SARS document).
- Proof of business address.
- Copy of your CK1 / CK2 / CIPRO documentation.
For Companies
- Notice of incorporation (COR 14.1).
- Registration Certificate for Local Company (certificate to commence business) (CM46 / COR 14.3).
- Memorandum of Incorporation (CM1 / COR 15.1).
- Notice (of change) of registered address (CM22 / COR 21).
- Registered Company Name.
- Proof of business address.
For each Director
- Identity Document
- Proof of residence
- Marital status
For Trusts
- Trust deed.
- Masters letter of Authority.
- Trust income tax number / VAT number (official SARS document).
- Copy of the first page of the identity documents of all trustees and beneficiaries.
For each Trustee
- Identity Document
- Proof of residence
- Confirmation of marital status
For deceased Estates
- Copy of death certificate.
- Copy of the Letter of Executorship or Letter of Authority issued by the Master of High Court.
- Copy Identity document of Executor.